IN HONOR OF A MOM: Peg's Presents

This post is for my friend Lee, who unexpectedly lost her mother last Thanksgiving.  Peg Romano was a woman of spirit, humor and generosity.  Over her lifetime she and her husband took in and cared for over a dozen foster children.  It made for an often crazy life, as Lee chronicles in her blog Madness, Mom and Me; but it was always a life filled with love.  In honor of her mom, Lee and her husband Andrew have created Peg's Presents, a charity with a sweet and simple mission: bring gifts--and smiles--to kids in need.  They gather donations of toys and books for newborn through 16 years, and donate them to underprivileged children at Dignity Housing in Philadelphia.  If you would like to support their cause please send a new, unwrapped toy, book or gift card to:  Peg's Presents, 126 Kenilworth Street, Philadelphia PA 19147.  For more info visit pegspresents.com.

ECO-SWEET BABY GIFTS from Poppy & Bean

As part of Style Maniac’s 2011 Spring Gift Guide, I’ll be highlighting not only great products, but also some of the stories and people behind them.  Today, meet Poppy & Bean, an eco-sweet line of baby blankets, burp cloths, crib mobiles and more crafted by the sweet and talented Colleen D’Agostino.  In a world awash with neutral, nubby eco-friendly options, Poppy & Bean stands out with bold patterns and bright happy colors.  Each piece is hand made from vintage, salvage or remnants; and the prices are incredibly reasonable (blankies range from $18 to $36, burp clothes under $10).  At a recent Poppy & Bean trunk show hosted by a mutual friend, I bought an adorable nautical-patterned piece for a relative’s new baby.  It’s colorful yet cuddly, and completely one-of-a-kind.

Colleen and I first met through our interior decorating worlds, and it’s been exciting to see her grow a new business.  I asked her to share her story—an inspirational one for any closet crafter with bigger dreams.

Colleen D'Agostino, creator of Poppy & Bean

When and why did you begin Poppy & Bean?
I began working on this idea in the spring of 2009 after years of crafting, creating handmade gifts and realizing that I had a huge collection of fabrics overflowing in my house!  I made a list of monthly goals and I opened my Etsy Shop in January 2010.

What made you take the leap from idea to actually starting the company?
When I turned 29 it felt like junior year in high school, time to get moving!  I was ready to take a chance, work hard and use the knowledge I had gained to begin a new chapter in my story.  I started with the concept of a children’s line because it seemed there were not many options for people who wanted a more eclectic style and I think every child needs a few very special gifts for their hope chest.  I wasn’t really sure where it would all go but I started by creating a “collection” for a trunk show, then I started building my inventory and my Etsy page, then applying for summer and fall craft shows and soon I had some momentum which gave me the confidence to pursue this and move forward with my brand and my business.

I feel so lucky to live in a city and be part of a community that supports local artist and handmade goods.  I felt amazing support every step of the way and I am so grateful! Especially, for my husband who showed me how life can be when you work really hard and do what you love.

What are your plans for Poppy & Bean this year?
I am excited to debut the spring/summer designs I have been working on: bright, graphic patterns that feel crisp and energetic.  Perfect for our long-awaited spring!  Also, in May I will debut a mini look book and website.

Are all of the fabrics vintage or salvage? 
Yes, all my fabrics are high quality designer samples, vintage or remnants.  They are all pre-washed and pre-shrunk prior to fabrication and every item is machine washable.

Who is the little girl on some of your tags?
Oh! That is my sweet niece Riley and one of my very favorite people!  She is my best friend Nicole’s daughter and we have always joked that she inherited my style-- I do dress like a four-year-old some days!

Poppy & Bean can be found at:

Poppy & Bean ETSY shop

The Little Apple, Manayunk, PA

Colleen creates custom orders as well.  
Email:  poppyandbean@gmail.com

For more see:
Poppy & Bean's Facebook Page
Website coming soon.

Colleen’s photo by Aileen Bannon Foto.  
All other pictures by Doreen Creede.

A GLORIOUS MESS

"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the
mess created in the living room on Christmas day.
Don't clean it up too quickly."
- Andy Rooney 

After all the planning ... buying ... wrapping ... rushing ... it all comes down to spending time with those you love and enjoying every small moment.  I'm off to do just that and I hope you are as well.  First, just want to thank all the bloggers and photographers who have brightened my month--and year--with beautiful inspiration, images and words. And thanks to each of you, dear Style Maniac readers, for visiting, commenting and sharing here.  It's a wonderful gift you give me every day.  

See you just before New Year's Eve.  Merry Christmas.

Quote discovered on Belle Maison. Gold Glitter image by Shandi-Lee via Flickr.

SPRING GIFT GUIDE: Brides & Birthdays

Recently I spent a delicious afternoon shopping the inventory of Good To Be You, a website owned by my friend and neighbor Lee Romano Sequeira that's filled with lovely finds for "the pampered princess in all of us." I left with an armful of birthday goodies for family and friends (and, yes, a little something for myself!), and found lots of items that would make perfect bridal shower gifts.  Two of my favorite picks:  the pretty Peacock Shoe Bag (shown above) and the clever Shemergency Survival Kit.  For the entire array visit GoodToBeYou.com.   

As a special perk for Style Maniac readers, take 10% off any item on the website through 6/30/10.  Just use code "STYLE10."  (Thanks, Lee.) Have fun shopping!

FRESH AS A DAISY: 10 Tips On Making Cut Flowers Last

Fresh flowers never fail to delight--except when they begin to wither.  Here are some tips on getting the most mileage out of cut flowers, courtesy my friend Barbara Hammond, an artist, writer and freelance floral designer.

10 Tips On Making Cut Flowers Last

1. First and foremost, start with the freshest flowers you can buy.  No need to break the bank. You can get some of the freshest flowers at grocery stores that have their own farms, like Wegman's and Whole Foods.
2. To test if roses are fresh gently squeeze the head of the rose.  It should be quite firm, like a rubber ball.  For most other fresh flowers just look for tight buds.
3. Exotics like bird of paradise, calla lilies, antherium, ginger, and especially cut orchids, will always outlast garden flowers.  Orchids should last at least two weeks.  They cost more but you will definitely get your money's worth.
4. Always give the flowers a fresh cut before you put them in a vase, and then whenever you change the water (which should be every two to three days).  Despite most advice to the contrary, you don't need to cut stems under running water.  
5. As for adding those packets of floral preservative to the water ... they can't hurt, but I've rarely seen them make a big difference, especially since you need to change the water after a few days.
6. Trimming away any leaves below the water line will help keep the water clean and keep the flowers fresh longer.  
7. Be sure the water is cold.  With tulips I sometimes put ice in the water!
8. Tulips are the only flower that continue to grow after they're cut--strange but true.  So you may have to trim the bottoms frequently or just enjoy how they begin to bend and drape, as I do.
9. Pluck spent blossoms as soon as you see them.  This may change the arrangement, but you can "downsize" your arrangement in a smaller vase and enjoy every flower to the last.
10. Finally, don't be afraid of flowers.  They're not as sensitive as you may think.

Floral designs above by Barbara Hammond.  Floral photos by Jack Looney.  To see more of Barbara Hammond's floral design and art go to hammondart.biz.  For a taste of Barbara's writing visit her new blog Zero to 60 And Beyond.
Author photo courtesy Barbara Hammond.

ALMOST FRENCH

Part Two of "Paris & What She Read," with recommendations from some smart and stylish Francophile friends.  For Part Three, a pick by Anne Jensen, please visit the Style Maniac Facebook Page.

ALMOST FRENCH by Sarah Turnbull

"There are many books about expats living in France but this one is slightly different.  Australian-born Sarah Turnbull captures the joys and challenges of straddling two countries and not truly belonging to either.  She provides very interesting perspectives on the advantages and disadvantages of living in France." --Andrea Sowitch

Andrea and I have been fast friends since bonding during our junior semester abroad in Nice. In the time since we've shared countless talks about film, books, love, food and France.  Andrea is now a marketing consultant and continues her French language studies through Alliance Française in Denver.

CAFÉ SOCIETY: Houston, Littleton & Chicago

As promised at the beginning of the month, here are outdoor cafés recommended by Style Maniac correspondents across the country. Merci, mes amis, for the wonderful suggestions.  Can't wait to come visit and try them all!  And please, chic readers, share your favorite spot in the Comments section below.

In Houston architect and fabulous cook Karen Krauskopf, recommends The Grove (above) a clean, modern restaurant bordering a park downtown. "It's a very peaceful place--my escape for a cool glass of white wine.  Even when it's 100+ degrees and 90% humidity, this place set amongst the oak trees and skyscrapers cools me."  The Grove  1611 Lamar Street (Discovery Green Park), Houston TX

 

Karen also loves Backstreet Cafe (above): "This quintessential neighborhood spot is right around the corner from us.  Good food, nice wine list.  Intimate (it's a re-purposed house) and romantic, but also a great place to meet friends.  The courtyard offers a wonderful, almost private outdoor dining experience, especially at night.  Again under giant oak tree.  We do love our big trees here in the blistering heat of the south."  Backstreet Cafe  1103 South Shepherd Drive, Houston TX

Across the country, Andrea Sowitch recommends JaJa Bistro in Littleton, Colorado (just outside Denver) for its outdoor dining and authentic charm. "My class from Alliance Française has made it a tradition to celebrate Bastille Day at JaJa.  The owner Stephan Poullier hails from the South of France and grew up working in his family's restaurant in Provence. My favorites are the stuffed dates, moules frites and enjoying a kir on the patio." (By the way, JaJa is French slang for getting together for a drink with friends, something Andrea and I have been doing since bonding during our college semester abroad in Nice.)  JaJa Bistro 5641 South Nevada Street, Littleton CO
   
Trish Woodson writes a knitting blog ttwcreative, and although I don't knit a stitch, we have discovered so many common loves through our blogs, I just knew she'd have a great recommendation for a Chicago café.  And she did:

"We only get a few months of alfresco dining here in Chi-town, but we know how to make the most of it.  One of our best little spots is Anteprima, a regional Italian eatery focusing on fresh, local and organic food.  This particular spot is especially perfect for Style Maniac readers because it's mere blocks away from nationally-recognized (but still affordable!) interior design shops like George Lowell, Scout and Brimstone.  If you're in Chicago one nice day, pop on your can't-miss sundress and head to the Andersonville neighborhood for shopping and a wonderful dinner.  Don't be disturbed by the busy dining room, you called ahead and made a reservation for the secret garden hidden behind the restaurant, didn't you?  Sip a cocktail while sitting amidst the beautiful greenery and peruse a selection of starters--you can get 8 of them for $15.  While you decide between the risotto with peeky toe crab and crispy trout, sit back and enjoy the wonder that is Chicago in warm weather."  Anteprima, 5316 N. Clark Street, Chicago IL

PHOTOS 1 & 2 via The Grove Facebook Page, PHOTO 3 via Backstreet Cafe Facebook Page, LOGO via JaJa Bistro.com , PHOTO 4 via anteprimachicago.net

PARIS & WHAT SHE READ: A Moveable Feast

As much as I love reading, I've never joined a book group.  For me, reading is such an intensely personal and transporting experience--a good book can take me to so many different places in time and emotion--that I prefer to revel in it as my own private pleasure.  I do, however, love to trade recommendations with fellow book lovers.  So while thinking of what titles to highlight this month, I asked a few friends, Francophiles all, to share their favorite tales of Paris. First up, Janis Goodman tells how Hemingway seduced her with his classic memoir of The Lost Generation in Paris of the 1920s.

As someone who had grown up reading literary excess, I was entranced by the spareness of Hemingway's prose, which managed simultaneously to convey so much.  When I read A Moveable Feast, Paris came alive for me for the first time, freed of all the clichés I’d been fed throughout childhood. Woven throughout and imbuing the spell of Paris was his nostalgia for lost youth, lost love, spent passions.  The city became a real, living place. If I’d had a daughter, I would have named her Hadley, after Hemingway’s first wife, with whom he shared those early years, and whom he lost when they were over. --Janis Goodman

Janis and I met through our fun and feisty Movie Diva film group.  She has a Ph.D in public policy and women's psychological development, an adorable prince of a pup named Snippet and a love of all things French.  When not in Paris she and her husband are active supporters of Philadelphia arts and culture, such as The Pennsylvania Ballet.

STYLE MANIAC TURNS ONE

One year ago I began Style Maniac as a way to get back to writing, combat the dour economy and finally realize, in online form, the magazine dreams that had been rattling around in my head for so long.  What I never imagined is that it would be so satisfying and oh so much fun.  Or that I would learn so many things about technology ... social media ... using lemon yellow as a neutral.  Most of all--best of all--I had no idea that this blog would strengthen, revive and bring new friendships to my life.

As a writer, you sit alone facing a blank screen, often wondering if you are the only person in the world to have a particular thought.  Through a blog, you discover that an entire community shares not just a thought, but a similar interest and passion in books, movies, music, fashion, humor, decorating, entertaining, living ... with style.  Even more amazing, that community encompasses ages 13 to 76, and includes women around the globe whom you've never met and probably never will. And yet you are all connected through this amazing, crazy medium.

So thanks to each one of you--readers, subscribers, followers, fans, family, friends, contributors, guest posters, photographers, artists, fellow bloggers and, especially, husband--for opening my eyes, brightening my world and letting me share my mania with you.

Photo courtesy Stefan Janeschitz, discovered through the magic of Flickr.  Many thanks to Stefan for the perfect image (a single yellow&white candle--exactly what I wanted!). Check out his photo website,stefan-janeschitz.de.

FIRE & ICE

What to do when cabin fever strikes but it's still bitter cold outside?  Bundle up and head to a chic spot with a cozy fireplace. I recently asked some stylish friends (and loyal blog readers) to share such a spot in their hometown and the answers came back in a flash.  In CHICAGO Beth recommends The Violet Hour for sleek winter cocktails.  Cass likes ASHEVILLE's Grove Park Inn  for its myriad fireplaces and amazing views.  And in WAYNE, the hot spot for a winter gathering is the rustic yet elegant bar at Georges' (thanks, Jenn, for the tip).

Add your favorite spots (and find out my PHILADELPHIA pick) in the Comments section below or go to  the Style Maniac Facebook Page to contribute photos and links.  Cheers!

Top photo via theviolethour.com; bottom left photo via Backgrounds.  Bottom right photo of the Grove Park Inn courtesy Amy at She Wears Many Hats. Visit her blog for more images and a lovely profile of the Inn. 

RED RED WINE

Definitely one of my favorite things ... especially when shared with people I love, gathered 'round a roaring fire, snow falling outside (like tonight!).  Happy New Year.

FAVORITE: Rich, velvety luscious red wines and lots of love

WHAT IT's ALL ABOUT

FAVORITE A holiday filled with family & friends.  Merry Christmas.


Bob's Your Uncle witty and offbeat line of cards available from Jack's Cards.

GUEST POST: Architect Karen Krauskopf's Tips On Choosing A Home

Karen Krauskopf and I met our first semester of college and have shared a passion for design, style and spirited conversation ever since.  I thought it would be wonderful to add some architectural expertise and perspective to our Thoughts On Home this month and I am delighted that Karen agreed to contribute this guest post to Style Maniac.

ONE | First – and above all else: Understand how you live.

Private or public? Formal or informal? How do you entertain? What are your hobbies, and how often do you pursue them? These questions greatly influence the collection of rooms and the relationships that create a pleasing experience in your home. If you only use a formal living room once a year for the family photo, you do not have to have it in your home just because your mother did. On the other hand, if you use it every day – perhaps it is the one quiet place in the house with great light where you can curl up with a book or there is a budding pianist in the family, by all means include it. Honor and embrace what makes you and your family happy, and communicate that to your architect or real estate agent. 
The client in the above photos lives a "public" life. Double height windows and terraces face the street and allow the homeowner’s wonderful sculpture collection to be visible to and enjoyed by passersby. (PHOTO: MC2 Architects)

TWO | Understand where you live.
Since a home is permanently situated, understanding its place is paramount. Here on the Southern Gulf Coast, we raise our homes off the ground in order to ventilate them from underneath and also keep them from flooding. We have deep porches to shade us from the harsh sunlight and to channel breezes through the house. The same house – if built in Pennsylvania or New England – would be painfully cold and dark, no matter the level of insulation.  Take a look at the houses in your area built before the advent of central heat and A/C. These homes were built for performance as well as aesthetic beauty.


THREE | Choose quality of design over quantity of square feet.

Quality of design involves room sizes and proportions, ceiling height, window and door locations, views and connection to the outdoors, natural light; and details such as the craftsmanship of stair railings, built-in casework, window selections, trim and connection details, lighting selection and design.  Thoughtful attention to these details increases the per-square-foot construction budget, but give a space character. In most every case, a smaller, detailed home is preferable and more livable than generic largesse.

I love this little house and its contrast of  scale - the small, small footprint (20' x 20') with huge glass doors and windows. It really connects this tiny space to its surroundings while creating a warm, sheltering refuge. The house is intricately detailed with industrial metal materials offset by warm wood.  The large wheel is more than just decoration--it operates the steel shutters which protect the home from harsh conditions. (PHOTO: Olsen Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects)

FOUR | Consider all three dimensions of your home.

I have heard countless horror stories from friends who focused intensely on adjusting the floor plans of their dream homes – not realizing the volume implications until the home was well under construction and changes prohibitively expensive. Think vertically. How will the home look standing on the building site?  In open floor plans, do the interiors have height variations that create intimate spaces?
Note how the partition walls in this home stop short of the ceiling, allowing light into and out of that room to penetrate other areas; and how the bridge breaks up the double height space.  Without the connecting bridge the vast volume would be a generic echo dome. (PHOTO: Stern Bucek Architects)

I find the most beautiful and cohesive homes those in which there is a clear connection between the exterior form and the interior layout.  (SCHEMATIC ELEVATION: Karen Krauskopf)

FIVE | Consult a professional.

This is not shameless self-promotion.  Whether you are shopping for an existing home or a lot on which to build, consult an architect or interior designer. Ask your real estate agent for a second showing and bring your team in for feedback. We are trained to evaluate the assets and liabilities of existing spaces and building sites, local renovation and construction codes and restrictions, and we are definitely trained to “see” possibilities. Of all the professionals involved in buying or building your home, these two are the only ones whose sole interest is representing you and finding that unique home design that is the balance of your dreams, aspirations and of course your budget.

Karen A. Krauskopf
AIA, LEED AP
kakrauskopf@gmail.com

FLAT LAUREN VISITS PHILADELPHIA

For Part One of this story see Location, Location, Location.

"Hi!" said Flat Lauren as she popped out of her envelope. "Phew, I'm so happy to be out of that thing." She gave the envelope a good kick. "It was hot and stuffy and I'm starving!"

"Oh," I said. Somehow I hadn't imagined that Flat Lauren would be able to ... talk. "Well, we have lots of great places to eat here. Welcome to Philadelphia, by the way." I took a peek inside the envelope. It did look hot and stuffy. But there was a pretty letter inside. "So, I see you've thought of some things you'd like to do."

Flat Lauren smiled at me sweetly. "Oh yes. And we can do all of them, right?"

"Sure." I glanced over the letter. "There's great places to shop here. Tons of choices for dinner. Oh, I love movies, too! And--hmm, that's interesting ... an amusement park ... an amusement park in the city...."

Was it my imagination or did Flat Lauren have a gleam in her eye?

"Well, let's get started." I tucked Flat Lauren in my purse and off we went to the bookstore up the street. But I soon heard Flat Lauren's stomach growling so I whisked her to the Italian Market, where the guys at DiBruno Brothers fed us samples of food. And more samples. And more samples. (For a flat girl she sure could eat a lot.)

Although it wasn't one of her requests I felt I had to show my goddaughter some of Philadelphia's famous sites, like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

And then some not-so-famous ones, like the Singing Fountain, which we danced around for awhile; and the Lucky Fortune Cookie Factory, where we bought a freshly made bag of cookies as big as Flat Lauren.  We wandered into a nearby Asian supermarket and saw so many delicious things we decided to buy some for dinner.

 "Which kind of noodles do you like?" I asked.

"Mwhartl blrrs thlsh."

"What?" I looked inside my purse to find Flat Lauren with a mouth full of fortune cookies."Wow, you really like those."

Flat Lauren swallowed hard. "Oh, yes, they are simply delicious!"

"Good. Now I have another treat for you. Right around the corner is a lovely park with a carousel and a miniature golf course and a playground. It's sort of like an ..."

"An amusement park!" Flat Lauren leapt out of my purse and twirled along the grocery shelf. "Let's go!"

So off we went to play mini-golf amongst replicas of famous Philadelphia landmarks. Flat Lauren beat me easily."Don't feel bad," she consoled me as we strolled home. "Kids play lots more putt-putt than grown-ups."

That night we cooked a dinner so yummy we completely forgot to take pictures of it. Then, tired from walking all day, we curled up on the sofa and watched a movie.

The next day Flat Lauren had to go back home. We both felt very sad.

"Oh, there's so many other fun things to do here," I told her. "Promise me you'll come back to visit? And bring your brother and sister and mommy and daddy."

"Promise," Flat Lauren replied and hugged me tight.

Then I packed her into a priority mail box with a new bag of fortune cookies to share with her classmates. I wonder if there will be any left by the time she arrives at school?


Artwork by Lauren. Photos by Doreen. Extra help from Kevin.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Part of what makes a home is the neighborhood that surrounds it.  The people, places, streets and sites around you influence how you live in so many ways.  I was reminded of this when my good friend Beth asked me to participate in a project for her daughter's--my goddaughter's-- second grade class.  The class had just read Flat Stanley, the tale of a boy flattened by his bulletin board.  His flat condition allows him to have all sorts of unusual adventures, including being sent through the mail.  Each of the children in the class created a Flat version of themselves and sent it off for her own adventure.

Flat Lauren arrived safely at my home in Philadelphia, tucked in an envelope with a note from the teacher asking this question:

"How does living where you do affect your lifestyle?"

Seemed like a perfect addition to our Thoughts On Home conversation this month on Style Manaic.  Follow along on the next post, Flat Lauren Visits Philadelphia while Flat Lauren and I explore my neighborhood and show you some of the things that make it a wonderful place to call home.

Artwork courtesy Style Maniac's goddaughter, Lauren.

YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD TO PLAY DRESS UP

Oh, and the other thing about fashion? It should be fun!
Happy Halloween.

That's Kevin and I as Big Bird & Tippi Hedren at the 2008 Second Street Halloween production of The Birds.  My theatrical neighbors stage the show, a loyal crew acts it out (Kevin's usually the monster), hundreds of kids show up to our city locale and the adults have as much fun as the kids.

ONLINE ART SHOW: Denise Fike

 

 

Once upon a time, I visited Denise Fike at her studio. She sat on the floor beside a long roll of blank canvas, a Sharpie clasped loosely in her fingers. As we chatted her hand moved in a swift fluid motion. As she worked her way across the canvas an enchanted world of fairies, flowers and birds sprang to life behind her. Pure magic.

That project, handmade children's wallpaper, is just one of the forms Denise's art has taken. She's also taught fashion illustration and was Director of Fashion Drawing at Drexel University. The two interests--wallpaper and fashion--resulted in a series of works that make intricate use of vintage wallpaper. Although dozens of patterns cover every inch of the canvas, none clash. (I've used these in Redecorators' projects and they elevate any furniture they are paired with. They also make terrific screens.)

Most works are of a grand scale. "I think that's me rebelling against my tiny house," Denise laughs. Her house is indeed tiny--a Trinity two rooms deep in which, along with her husband Lane, she raised two boys and a very large Great Dane.

Recently, Denise has been working on a series of nudes in a flat, graphic style; another series of intricate florals against a clean background; as well as interpretive portraits that capture the spirit and essence of a bride-to-be.

Yet, Denise will tell you, all of her pieces "share the same line." Whether of a bride, a dominatrix, an artichoke or a haute couture hat; whether collaged from vintage wallpaper and metallics, or bursting to life in lacquer-like house paint, each creation is unmistakably hers.

 

 

For more information on commissioned portraits, bridal, pets plus fashion and floral themes contact Denise at:

Denise Fike Designs
denisefikedesigns.com
denise.fike@gmail.com
267-968-1849.

All images courtesy Denise Fike.

LOVE, COCKTAILS & FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT

One of the things I love about reading is when it translates unexpectedly into real life. Example: my friend Beth (in Chicago) recommended the novel Loving Frank, a fictionalized account of a real love affair between Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Cheney. I read it (in Philadelphia) and emailed Gina (in Tokyo) to tell her about the Wright-designed Imperial Hotel in that city, a structure I had never heard of before reading the novel. Gina set off to discover it and it became her favorite bar. And so the world spins....

READ: Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

DISPATCH: Tokyo

Welcome to Dispatch, a vicarious visit to stylish spots around the world. This month I talk to Gina Pierantozzi, who recently had the good fortune to spend six weeks in Tokyo, Japan.

(Who is Gina? My longtime friend, business partner in The Redecorators and a true style fanatic.)


DOREEN: Describe Tokyo.
GINA: Tokyo is one of the few places I've been that truly feels different from the U.S. When you first arrive it seems very cold--steel skyscrapers, everyone dressed in black. But then you realize it's all about the details. A shop girl takes as much time and care wrapping a $2 piece of candy as a $20,000 handbag. No interaction or job is small or insignificant. Everything is done with incredible pride, care and attention.


Tell us about the ice.
The ice! Okay, you cannot just plop down in a bar and grab a drink. Cocktail creation is an art. Every drink has a particular glass, yes. But there's also a particular shape and type of ice for each drink. All cut by hand. The bartender in the photo above chipped away at that hunk of ice until a perfect diamond emerged.


Did you have to order a glass of wine to tide you over while waiting for a cocktail?
Almost! One night Jimmy [husband] ordered a drink. The Master Bartender went through the twenty minute ritual of creating a cocktail. Finally he presents his masterpiece. But before Jimmy can take a sip it's yanked away--"oh, so sorry, so sorry!" Out comes a flashlight and all three bartenders bend over the glass to examine it. Turns out there was a crack in the ice.


If ice warrants that much attention, what's the food like?
Pristine. That's fugu above. And below, food at a department store. Just an ordinary department store.



What about the restaurants?
There are thousands of them. Look at the photo below--those signs list restaurants in just ONE building.


Tokyo''s so outrageously expensive that most office workers live an hour or more away by train. Every night they go out with co-workers and get plastered. If they miss the last train home they sleep in the train station. Fully dressed, suit and tie, sprawled out on a bench with a briefcase beside them. And no one robs them. I couldn't get over that. This huge city teeming with people and virtually no crime.


In addition to all the restaurants, vending machines line the streets. No garbage cans. Not a speck of litter. But vending machines and food kiosks everywhere. Where does it all go? I have no idea.

How was the shopping? I love the vintage kimono you gave me.
That's about all that would fit you! I'm five-two (and-three-quarters) and I felt like a giant over there. Size 9 shoes? Forget it. I did find an incredible rich white face cream. Turns out its nightingale shit, but wow does it work great.



The fashions look surprisingly bold.
There are two extremes. It's either what looks like government-issue uniform of black bottoms and white tops (for men and women) or crazy, all-out anything goes.

TOP FIVE things a Style Maniac should do in Tokyo:

1. Seek out the Secret Bars. They are marked only by a small sign so ask your concierge for detailed directions. You walk down steep, narrow flights of stairs to emerge into a magnificent bar with tuxedoed mixologists creating fantastic drinks.
2. The restaurant supply district, Asakusa, where shops offer gazillions of dishes and custom-made knives hand-honed in front of you.
3. Another section of Asakusa where the geisha girls buy their makeup.
4. Visit a Sumo stable and learn about the rituals, hierarchy, feeding and surprising grace of the men in this Japanese sport.
5. Omotesando is a high-end shopping street featuring Louis Vuitton, Fendi, etc. Parallel to it runs Takeshita Dori, a street where all the kids shop for cheap, crazy clothes. The contrast and combination of the two was my favorite part of Tokyo.

Photos by Gina Pierantozzi